Follow the Fader

Former Grandaddy frontman Jason Lytle took to his piano to record a set of Christmas tunes, currently available on his website. The holiday album, titled Merry X-Mas 2009, is comprised of seven piano-based, improvised songs. Lytle explained to NME: "I set up some microphones and recorded about 35 minutes of improvisational piano music. It just so happens that playing my piano at home is one of my favorite things to do (in terms of music) so it was nice to be able to capture some of these moments of me playing aimlessly and relaxed." If the track titles are anything to go by, this promises to be an alternative view of the holiday season, for sure: normally, I'm not "Out Cold on Indian Ambien" during Christmas, although a "Bird Feeder Soap Opera Plot" does seem to describe familial relations around this time of year.

In addition to his X-Mas record, Lytle also has plans to release his second full-length solo album. "I am currently at work on a new album," he explained. "And although I'm quite sure none of the songs will end up on the radio I'm guaranteeing that this will be the weirdest, most wonderful mayhem I have made yet."

Also to be included on Merry X-Mas 2009:
"Last Conversation In Waltz Time"
"Wild Animals Slowly Approaching The Lovely Country Funeral"
"Out Cold On Indian Ambien"
"Meeshell"
"Good Chord Song For LP Two"
"Bird Feeder Soap Opera Plot"
"SepDecember Song"